Mercedes-Benz PH launches four new electric vehicles
IC Star Automotive Inc., the official and sole distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the Philippines launched its full-electric vehicle lineup on September 20, 2023 at the Mercedes-Benz Greenhills showroom. These are the fully-electric, all-new Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Electric Art, EQB 250 Electric Art, EQE 300 Electric Art, and EQE 350 AMG, marking the brand’s first foray into the electric automobile market in the country. The all new EQA, EQB and EQE are powered by state-of-the-art electric powertrains that intend to deliver adequate performance while producing zero emissions from the vehicle.
The EQA represents Mercedes-Benz’s latest entry-level model in its brand-new lineup of all-electric vehicles. This vehicle shares a close kinship with the GLA, combining its thrilling characteristics with an efficient electric powertrain. The EQA’s exterior design showcases several distinctive elements, including the signature black panel radiator grille with the central star emblem, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz. Additionally, it features a continuous light strip at both the front and rear, enhancing its sporty appearance. Completing the look are its new 19-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels in the Electric Art Design and LED high-performance headlamps, which include an EQ-specific energy blue element and high beam assist. Innovative Safety systems are also present in the new EQA 250. It houses standard safety features such as Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and a reversing camera. Finally, Mercedes offers a Driving Assistance Package with features that issue a variety of warnings. These alert the driver to a pedestrian or cyclist approaching when opening the door, for example. This high beam assist system automatically adjusts the headlights from high beam to low beam when it detects an oncoming vehicle, further improving safety in the EQA.
The EQA also places heavy emphasis on loading convenience with an enhanced Keyless-Go system, including handsfree access that features a sensor located in the rear bumper that detects your presence when you have a smart key with you. This allows you to effortlessly open and close the trunk without the need to touch the car or your smart key remote. Additionally, it provides a generous 340 liters of boot space, making it the ideal choice for various weekend endeavors.
The EQA’s interior is equipped with the expected luxury features found in Mercedes vehicles. The interior boasts ambient lighting with spiral-look trim elements that can be customized in 64 different colors. An all-digital cockpit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provides convenient access to essential smartphone apps. Notably, the car possesses a designated space in the oddments tray for wireless smartphone charging, effectively utilizing your driving time for charging purposes.
In addition to this, the Mercedes Benz EQA offers a high-quality infotainment system. It comes standard with the intuitively operated MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), offering various customization options, user-friendly navigation, and improved interior displays such as the vehicle’s 10.25-inch all-digital instrument display. Additionally, the EQA features a distinctive rosé gold accent in the air vents, which also illuminates in low-light conditions.
The EQA places heavy emphasis on comfort, featuring Comfort Seats, a rear armrest, and Thermotronic automatic climate control. The seats are upholstered in two-tone Artico leather. In addition to this, the heightened and upright seating position offers both ease of entry and exit and improved visibility from the elevated and upright posture. The development process also places a significant focus on utility, resulting in ample rear space due to the 40:20:40 split-folding configuration of the rear seat backrest.
Innovative Safety systems are also present in the new EQA 250. It houses standard safety features such as Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and a reversing camera. Mercedes offers a Driving Assistance Package with features that issue a variety of warnings.
The EQA’s incorporation of electric powertrain technology provides it with a maximum range of 496 kilometers without any external factors. The Mercedes EQA 250 utilizes a Type 2 connection and has the capability to charge at a rate of 11kW using a three-phase cable. It is also equipped with a 66.5 kWh battery and delivers a torque of 385N-m. Battery warranty is 8 years or 160,000km.
EQB
Following the EQA, the EQB represents Mercedes-Benz’s second compact fully-electric SUV. While compact on the outside, it excels in space, style, and intelligent design. The new EQB 250 model is a versatile SUV with the capacity for up to seven occupants, offering everyday usability and practicality for its buyers.
The EQB embodies Mercedes-Benz’s Progressive Luxury in a distinct manner. It features the Mercedes-Benz black panel grille with a central star and incorporates a full-width LED light strip both at the front and rear. Red rear lighting extends across the wide power liftgate. Notably, a horizontal fiber-optic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlamps, ensuring high visibility during the day and night. Finally, blue color accents within the headlamp design contribute significantly to the well-known Mercedes-Benz aesthetic.
Adding on to its exterior, the presence of aluminum-look roof rails and protective cladding elements that contribute to the overall proportions of the EQB. The vehicle’s side view is characterized by a muscular and sensually contoured shoulder, accentuated by the rising beltline. The outwardly positioned wheels add to the EQB’s robust appearance, giving it a confident presence on the road.
The EQB comes equipped with 19-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels in the Electric Art Design, along with electrically foldable side mirrors featuring Surround Lighting and a Brand Projection Logo.
The EQB offers ample space and flexibility, intending to cater to various needs. The third row seats can accommodate individuals up to 1.65 meters tall, with ISOFIX child-seat mountings available in the rear rows. These child-seat mountings are capable of accommodating up to four child seats, appealing to a more family-oriented audience.
The presence of large digital displays is prominent in the EQB’s cabin, while the dashboard and center console surfaces exude a luxurious look and feel. The exterior’s clean and aerodynamic lines translate into efficient use of space within the EQB’s interior. The inclusion of 64-color ambient lighting allows for customization of the ambiance, and there are rose gold-colored elements and backlit trim that contribute to the atmosphere inside the EQB. The car also features the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which serves as your onboard virtual voice assistant, responding to natural language commands when you say “Hey, Mercedes.” MBUX provides practical convenience and learns from your interactions to better cater to your preferences. The fully digital cockpit features tactile and visually clear controls on the steering wheel, console, and central screen. The digital instruments can be customized to display EQ-specific information and designs.
The EQB prioritizes passive safety, benefiting from the bodyshell structure of the closely related GLB, which was further adapted to meet the specific needs of an electric car. Additionally, the EQB incorporates intelligent driving assistance systems that work in cooperation with the driver. Standard features include Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, and Active Brake Assist, which can intervene to prevent or mitigate collisions in various critical scenarios, including braking for stationary vehicles and pedestrians at typical urban speeds. The EQB also includes a Parking Package with a 360° camera for enhanced parking convenience.
The EQB’s front-wheel drive system complements its agile handling and efficient design. The EQB 250 model offers a maximum driving range of 474 kilometers (WLTP) and is powered by a 140 kW/385 N-m electric motor on the front axle, coupled with a 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. Battery warranty is 8 years or 160,000km.
EQE
The EQE serves as an electric alternative to the midsize E-Class sedan, offering two available variants in the local market: the EQE 300 Electric Art and EQE 350 AMG Line.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan embodies a fusion of innovation and sophistication. It introduces advanced electric vehicle performance, cutting-edge in-cabin technology, and an elegant, aerodynamically functional one-bow design.
The exterior design of the EQE sedan is characterized by its sleek and aerodynamic profile, featuring a gently tapering roofline and 20-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in Electric Art design for the EQE 300, while the EQE 350 boasts 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. At the front, you’ll find the signature Black panel radiator grille with the central Mercedes star, along with the Mercedes-Benz pattern. The overall look is enhanced by black-grained side skirts and silver chrome door trim strips. Additionally, electrically folding exterior mirrors with the Mercedes-Benz Brand logo projection come as standard features.
The EQE’S Digital Light with Ultra-Range high beam not only illuminates the road but also provides road condition messages and navigation guidance.
The Mercedes-Benz Driving Assistance Package in the EQE includes features like Active Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Attention Assist drowsiness detection. Additionally, the Presafe system automatically activates in anticipation of a potential collision. The Parking Package with a 360° camera ensures easy and precise parking, while the GUARD 360 enhances vehicle security.
Inside the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan, the standard OLED Central Display with a 12.8-inch screen and a 12.3-inch Driver Display, along with the Burmester 3D surround sound system with 15 speakers, elevates your driving enjoyment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as wireless smartphone charging, are standard features. The Head-up display provides essential information on your windshield, including speed, GPS directions, cruise control settings, and real-time traffic conditions. Active Ambient Lighting complements the driving assistance systems, offering visual feedback for comfort systems like climate control and voice assistance.
The EQE 300 is equipped with an 89 kWh battery pack, delivering a maximum range of 621 kilometers (WLTP), while the EQE 350 AMG Line features a 90.56 kWh battery capable of achieving an impressive maximum range of 682 kilometers (WLTP). Battery warranty is 10 years or 250,000km.
Prices for the new vehicles are:
EQA SUV / range 457-495km – P3,990,000
EQB SUV / range 422-473km – P4,190,000
EQE 300 sedan /range 532621km – P5,590,000
EQE 300 AMG sedan / range 644-682 km – P6,290,000
The new EQA 250 Electric Art, EQB 250 Electric Art, EQE 300 Electric Art, and EQE 350 AMG Line will be available for viewing at all Mercedes-Benz Showrooms. Test drives are also offered on Sept 21-24, 2023, in Mercedes-Benz Alabang, Mercedes-Benz Bonifacio Global City, and Mercedes-Benz Greenhills. You may test drive the Mercedes-Benz EQ in Mercedes-Benz Cebu on Sept 28-Oct 1, 2023.
